Dear Members,
As we look toward a new membership year, I want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to each of you. Your membership allows us to address today’s needs while strengthening the future for those still serving in our schools.
I also want to give a special shout-out to MARSP’s state officers and chapter leaders—volunteers who give their time and talents in retirement to serve members. Their leadership keeps our community connected and effective.
This December, MARSP celebrate 75 years of serving Michigan’s public school retirees and fighting for their benefits. In that time, we’ve learned that legislative priorities can shift quickly, and new challenges can arise at any moment. The work MARSP does today—keeping members informed, organized, and ready to act—lays the foundation for tomorrow’s successes. Through your membership and participation, public school retirees continue to shape what comes next for their benefits.
As we build on this legacy, I hope you’ll share MARSP’s mission, resources, and programs with friends and colleagues. Every new member strengthens our voice and shows legislators that Michigan’s public school retirees stand united. And remember, when you refer someone to MARSP, you’re entered into our monthly $25 VISA gift card drawing and the grand prize trip for two to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island!
Together, we will continue making a meaningful impact for Michigan’s public school retirees. Here’s to another year of progress and connection!
Sincerely,
Royce Humm
MARSP Executive Director
Early Bird Renewal: JANUARY 1 - MARCH 31, 2026
Current members who renew between now and March 31st will be entered to win a $100 VISA gift card!
We really appreciate you taking the time to renew early—it makes our busiest season a lot smoother and helps us put our staff time and energy to good use.
Balancing the Budget in 2026: What It Means for Schools and MPSERS
MARSP reviews recent developments in Michigan’s budget, school funding pressures, tax reform proposals, and the outlook for MPSERS.
Key Takeaways
- Executive School Aid Budget Proposal – The FY 2026–2027 Executive Budget proposes $21.4 billion for K–12 schools.
- Long-Term Budget Pressures – While the School Aid Fund is projected to maintain a $532 million surplus through FY 2028, the General Fund faces potential deficits. Lawmakers are preparing for a tighter budget cycle and greater cost pressures compared to recent years, and how the School Aid Fund ultimately is intertwined with the General Fund will be a focal point of budget negotiations this spring and summer.
- Proposed Tax Reform: Speaker Hall has proposed eliminating certain property and real estate transfer taxes while expanding sales taxes to some “luxury” services. This includes removing the 6-mill State Education Tax (SET) on property, a key source of K–12 funding, with a goal of holding schools harmless by redirecting revenue raised by the aforementioned expansion of the sales tax, with a net overall tax cut as well.
Help Spread the Word About MARSP's DonorsChoose Initiative!
Teachers plan. MARSP supports. Students benefit.
Over the years, DonorsChoose has earned the trust of educators, district administrators, and donors, including MARSP and the MARSP Foundation. Since 2018, MARSP and the Foundation have jointly contributed $10,000 per year to DonorsChoose projects in Michigan. In 2024, we took that annual contribution a step even further and established an official DonorsChoose Fund.
This year, MARSP invites public school staff to create their DonorsChoose classroom projects by April 17, ahead of MARSP’s annual $10,000 funding distribution. Click below to find out how you can participate and support this initiative.
Annual Insurance Survey: How Satisfied Are You With Your MPSERS Health Insurance Coverage?
MARSP doesn’t just protect your benefits—we work to improve them!
Please take the next few minutes to share your experience and satisfaction with your MPSERS vision, hearing, dental, and medical coverage. As your representative on the MPSERS Board, your feedback helps MARSP advocate for changes that matter to you.
Visit Iceland With MARSP! Presentation on March 19
Back by popular demand! We’re excited to chase the northern lights with a new group of MARSP travelers in 2027.
Travel dates: Nov 26 – Dec 2, 2027
Activity level 3: You’re an on-the-go traveler
Tour highlights: Reykjavík, northern lights cruise, Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, Lava Exhibition Center, Vík, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Blue Lagoon
Join the live presentation on March 19 at 2:00 PM. The best way to see if this trip is right for you is our informational webinar. We’ll walk through the itinerary, daily activities, accommodations, costs, and logistics, then answer your questions live. Registering does not commit you to the trip. Can’t attend live? No problem. Register to receive a replay link to watch anytime.
Your Digital Copy of VANGUARD
The latest VANGUARD magazine is now available online. Log in to access your digital copy.
